Can I save a cactus with root rot?

If you catch it early, yes. You must remove all infected tissue and let the healthy part callous over for a week before replanting in dry soil.

How often should I water to prevent this?

Wait 14 to 30 days between waterings. Always check the soil depth with your finger or a stick before adding more water.

Peruvian apple cactus: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Press gently on the base of the stem to check for mushiness.
Stick a wooden skewer into the soil to see if it comes out damp.
Lift the plant to see if the roots are dark and slimy.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil stays damp for weeks, and the base of the cactus feels squishy or discolored. The plant may also start to lean or wobble in its pot.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and remove the cactus from its pot to inspect the roots. Trim away any black, mushy roots with a sterile blade and repot in fresh, dry cactus mix.
Poor drainage
Possible
How to tell: The pot lacks drainage holes or the soil is too dense and holds water like a sponge. The roots are suffocating because they cannot get oxygen.
What to do: Switch to a terracotta pot with a large drainage hole. Mix your soil with 50 percent perlite or pumice to ensure water flows through quickly.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your peruvian apple cactus

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the rot has traveled halfway up the stem, it is usually too late to save the plant. If the rot is only at the base, you can try to cut it off and reroot the healthy top.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the soil is bone dry all the way through, which usually takes 14 to 30 days. Always use a pot with drainage holes.

Peruvian apple cactus: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your peruvian apple cactus and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Can I save a cactus with root rot?: If you catch it early, yes. You must remove all infected tissue and let the healthy part callous over for a week before replanting in dry soil.
How often should I water to prevent this?: Wait 14 to 30 days between waterings. Always check the soil depth with your finger or a stick before adding more water.

Why is the base of my Peruvian apple cactus turning soft?